Johnson Matthey Process Technologies Invests in new South American site

Johnson Matthey is pleased to announce that it has established a site for a new catalyst plant in Brazil. As part of Johnson Matthey Process Technologies, the factory will initially manufacture catalysts for hydrogen production. The facility is expected to start operating by the end of 2014, and will initially employ around 15 people.

Across the world, 'on purpose' hydrogen capacities in refineries is increasing due to tighter fuel specification, the processing of heavier and sourer crudes, increasing need for lighter crude oil products and strong demand for chemical intermediates.

This investment is an integral part of the company's ongoing development in refinery hydrogen plant catalysis inconjunction with Petrobras, exploring options to further improve hydrogen plant efficiency, reliability and throughput.

This investment demonstrates our long term commitment to manufacturing in Brazil

Geoff Otterman, Divisional Director commented: “For a long time we have recognised the strategic importance of Brazil and South America. This investment demonstrates our long term commitment to manufacturing in Brazil. Beyond this, it is our intention to expand our manufacturing capability here to include products such as catalysts and adsorbents for gasto liquids and gas purification."

This investment builds on our nine existing catalyst manufacturing plants across six countries, and complements existing capacity expansions at these sites.